ENOTRIA

Translates to the Land of Wine. This wine brings us even closer to our roots because it is dedicated to those varieties of grapes that Gregory Graziano's grandfather grew in the Piemonte region of Italy and are still maintained by his cousins to this day. These varieties, many of which were brought to America in suitcases, have adapted especially well in the cooler areas of Mendocino County. Lying above the fog and frost line in the sun, they enjoy even temperatures and an extended growing season. These are big broad-shouldered reds and contrastingly, delicate perfumed whites.

2006 ARNEIS - Mendocino 
Arneis (in the Piemontese dialect means a difficult or demanding person) is a rare, ancient white grape variety all but abandoned because of its low yields and difficulty to cultivate. Primarily grown in Piemonte, this varietal is now being grown in several regions of California. When everything falls into place, Arneis has the flavor and fine, dry palate to succeed where an overblown Chardonnay fails, especially with flavorful seafood such as salmon and prawns.

This wine has a rich body with crisp acidity and a medley of distinctive aromas and flavors of green apples, Bosc pears, anise and hint of almonds. A long, complex finish follows the rich, supple texture and intensity on the palate.

Pairs well with many seafood dishes such as scallop brochettes. It is a charming apertivo and sipping wine. Also give it a try with Swiss chard and bacon pizza or chicken and mushroom quesadillas.

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2006 MOSCATO - Mendocino
Our Moscato is produced in a style that is very reminscent of Moscato d’ Asti; very fragrant, light and slightly sweet.

This wine has rich aromas of pears, peaches and green apples followed by similar fruity flavors with a balanced finish of great acidity and residual sugar.

Enjoy this wine as an aperitif or with light fruity desserts.

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2002 BARBERA - Mendocino
Once known as a peasant wine, this grape has grown to one of the most widely planted varietals in the Piemonte region of northwestern Italy. Today, Barbera is one of the most exalted grapes of this rugged mountain region. It arrived with Italian immigrants in California in 19th century and adapted well to the coastal volcanic soils. When produced in low yields and treated to barrel ageing it can make extremely exciting wines.

This Barbera has a deep purple color with aromas and flavors of juicy blackberries and raspberries with a hint of currant. Soft tannins and a great natural acidity produce a wine for immediate enjoyment or one that will age for many years.

Excellent when served with pizza, savory dishes, grilled Portobello mushrooms and hard-aged cheese.

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2002 BARBERA RISERVA - Mendocino
Barbera is one of the most widely planted gape varieties in Italy, especially in Northern Italy's Piedmont district. There, and in the cool growing region of Mendocino, it produces a fruity, soft, early maturing red wine with great acidity.

The resulting wine displays dark purplish-garnet hues with concentrated blackberry, boysenberry and plum flavors wrapped in toasty oak. This Barbera is balanced by a firm acidity and medium soft tannins which makes this wine enjoyable now or to cellar over the next decade.

Serve with penne and sausage, grilled lamb chops or grilled gorgonzola cheeseburgers.

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2002 DOLCETTO - Mendocino
Dolcetto (meaning “little sweet one”) is a grape native to northwestern Italy and grows primariy in the hills of the Piemonte region. In Mendocino County these wines are jam-packed with the essence of fresh fruit.

This wine is medium dark purple with inviting fruit flavors and aromas of blackberries, raspberries and dried cherries that mingles with undertones of sweet vanilla oak and earth. The finish is complex and long lasting. It is a wine that can be enjoyed young but has the depth to age for several years. It is excellent when paired with roasted meats and wild mushrooms.

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1999 NEBBIOLO - Mendocino
In Italy, Nebbiolo is called the “misty one” because of the whitish blush on its dark purple skin. This is the king of red wines producing the exalted wines of Barolo.

This magnificent wine has medium dark garnet hues with enticing aromatic aromas and flavors of cherries, lavender and smoky vanilla that are supported by just the right balance of acidity and smooth tannins. Much like Pinot Noir (which Winemaker Greg Graziano calls Nebbiolo’s twin brother from a different mother); this wine has been described as a thinking person’s wine because it’s character is very seductive and elusive all at the same time. Enjoy this wine now or it will continue to improve over the next several years.

Serve this wine with the heartiest of venison, beef or lamb dishes or with sharp, well-aged cheeses.

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GRAZIANO FAMILY OF WINES  •  707-744-8466